RSNO appoints Derrick Morgan as new Assistant Conductor Posted Tue 18 July 2023
Following extensive short-listing of almost 200 applicants worldwide, four candidates hailing from the UK and the USA were invited to the RSNO Centre in June to conduct a selection of repertoire with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO). After a deliberation by the selection panel, Scottish-born Derrick Morgan was chosen as the successful candidate. A graduate of the University of Edinburgh and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Morgan impressed in the audition and interview process against international conducting talent.
In addition to many conducting opportunities, the RSNO’s Assistant Conductor receives on-going support and guidance from RSNO Music Director Thomas Søndergård and player-mentors in the Orchestra. As Assistant Conductor, Morgan will also work with guest conductors and artists, and develop the multi-faceted leadership, organisational and public address skills required of modern conductors.
RSNO Music Director Thomas Søndergård said: “It is a real pleasure to welcome Derrick into the RSNO family. The standard of applicants this year was once again very high with contenders from across the world to consider. Derrick impressed in his audition and interview, demonstrating a conducting style that is both concise and expressive. I look forward to working with him and sharing his talents with our audiences across Scotland.”
RSNO Assistant Conductor Derrick Morgan said: “I am thrilled to become the new Assistant Conductor of the RSNO. To be offered such a rare opportunity with an orchestra I grew up listening to is a dream come true. I cannot wait to see what the next two years hold for me working with such a warm and supportive orchestra.”
The RSNO Assistant Conductorship is a two-year post and benefits from the support of the Solti Foundation. The scheme is a rare opportunity for conductors who are keen to develop their talent and experience. Previous post-holders have found that their time with a major symphony orchestra significantly improved their career prospects, with many going on to notable appointments with professional orchestras.
Gabrielle Solti, Trustee of the Solti Foundation said: “We are proud to continue to support the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Assistant Conductorship, and congratulate Derrick Morgan on his appointment. Becoming a conductor is a challenging career path and, with growing pressures on arts funding, it is now more important to us than ever to support orchestral music and the next generation of young artists. We look forward to following Derrick’s work and progress with the RSNO over the next two years.”
